Brewin’ Up Something Special From Hawaii

Wednesday, October 05, 2011

Posted by Leslie W., senior green coffee specialist

A new coffee is arriving for Starbucks Reserve and we are delighted to share it with you. Ka’u coffee takes its name from the Ka’u district on the Big Island of Hawaii. The Ka’u region is located on the slopes of the volcano Mauna Loa. The area was traditionally used for growing sugar cane, but after the exodus of sugar plantations the soil was well-suited to grow coffee. With over 2,000 acres of prime land in the district of Ka’u there are approximately 280 acres planted and worked by about 40 farmers. Here Ka’u coffee is quietly transforming this small region into a world-class coffee source that’s gaining attention.

Already this young coffee-producing community has won numerous awards. This year it won the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s Coffee of the Year and it is quickly gaining international attention.

We were smitten instantly with this lovely little coffee and lucky enough to buy five tiny micro lots. With all of this attention it won’t be long until everyone will have Ka’u on their lips! The discovery of this little gem is replete with flavors that scream tropical paradise. With fresh coconut, sweet caramel notes and hints of lime zest and nuts, this little coffee lets you know there is so much more to come. I am excited to introduce Ka’u coffee to our customers and partners and I hope that you’ll discover it for yourself. Remember, it’s limited and won’t be around long!